On June 8th our beloved mother Rachel Marie Lessard passed away with her loved ones at her side. She was 86 years old.
Rachel was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts in 1938 and was the eldest of six children born to Euclid and Beatrice Therrien. She grew up in Lunenburg, MA, then moved to Fitchburg, MA after marrying Robert Lessard in 1957.
She raised her six children in Fitchburg until moving with her family to Mesa, Arizona in 1977 where she lived until 2016. In 2016, after the passing of her husband of 59 years, she moved to Carmel, IN until her death.
Rachel and her husband Robert spend many years singing in the choir at Resurrection Catholic Church as well as for the Arizona State University Choral Union, where they often performed choral pieces with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra. Her favorite memories were performing Carmina Burana and Handel’s Messiah with the Orchestra. Particularly memorable was being part of a large choral group that sang for Pope John Paul II’s visit to Arizona in 1987.
Rachel had a strong Marian devotion and prayed the rosary daily. She loved listening to EWTN, specifically Mother Angelica and Blessed Bishop Fulton Sheen. She prayed unceasingly for her family’s faithfulness to Christ and His Church and was a role model to all that knew her.
Surviving her in death are her dear sister Pauline (Denis) Barrett, beloved Sister-in-Law Francis Therrien, her favorite Aunt Pauline, as well as her six devoted children: Alan (Robin) Lessard, Steven (Barbara) Lessard, Donna (Luis) Corrales, James (Donna) Lessard, David (Fawn) Lessard, Debra (James) Jirgal, her 20 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Too numerous to mention were the many extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will truly miss her.
Preceding her in death are her parents Euclid and Beatrice, husband Robert, first born son Johnathan, and siblings Elaine, Norman, Denise, and Roger.
Rachel’s gentle spirit and quiet nature touched all that knew her and will be in our hearts and minds always. We love you Mom and you were our best friend.
Eternal rest grant on to Rachel, O Lord, and let the Perpetual Light shine upon her. May the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, please consider having Masses said in her name for the repose of her soul
